Biological Age vs Chronological Age

We all know that the chronological age represents our age in the bulletin, in the identity card. That is the number of years that have passed from birth to the present. 

But then there is something called our biological age or our body age. There is a reason why someone much older looks younger than someone who is younger than him or her.

The reason is biologically that person is younger than the chronologically younger person. Hence we need to lower our biological age to look younger than our chronological age.

What is biological age?

Biological age is a term that defines the state of our body. It’s actually how old our cells are.

We determine anyone’s biological age by the skin condition of the face and hands. Next comes the posture. Finally the level of physical and mental energy someone possesses determines their biological age.

Then we have our classic blood tests (cholesterol, blood sugar) which show the functioning of our body. Also our pulse and blood pressure levels determine our biological age.

Our maximum aerobic capacity, visual acuity, bone density, body composition, hydration levels, to hormonal ones and even genetic ones also determine our biological age.

Hence now we have a relationship between how the body actually feels and how the "average" healthy person would feel at the same age.

So depending on the above factors you can be younger or older than your chronological age.

Can I reduce my biological age?

Most of the above factors can be controlled. Hence you can practically reduce your biological age to look younger than your actual age.

People who have a Mediterranean diet live longer and look younger than their actual age. It consist of green leafy vegetables, lots of salads, fruits, fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids and olive oil.

The vegetables, salads and fruits have a lot of vitamins c and antioxidants in them. They can help in preventing the formation of wrinkles and are also known to prevent many old age related diseases.

Fish provides with omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve eyesight and fight muscle loss.

Olive oil consists of antioxidants which as mentioned above prevents the formation of wrinkles.

No animal proteins and sugars: Animal proteins stimulate cell growth and cell division and thus also the aging process of the cells. 

Sugar accelerates the aging process by activating the genes responsible for aging. At the same time, it deactivates the enzymes and factors that provide protection against free radicals. 

Sugar is also known to have a huge impact on insulin levels. 

Put simply, sugar and animal proteins are directly related to age-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cancer. 

Exercise : Regular cardio exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system, the lungs and supplies the blood with lots of oxygen. Hence we recommend you to do cardio exercise for three times a week.

It can be anything jogging, running, brisk walking or cycling. Any exercise that fastens your heart beat.

We need to improve the muscle mass in our body. This is possible through regular weight training. Muscles are made up of proteins which are made up of amino acids. A lack of amino acids can lead to aging. Hence we recommend weight training for twice a week to increase your protein levels. Read about aerobic exercise for skin here.

Consume alcohol in moderation and quit smoking: Alcohol causes dehydration in the body which increases the formation of wrinkles. Smoking on the other hand is linked to many age related diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

Quitting smoking is one of the best thing you can do to slow the aging process. Read about drinking alcohol and aging here.

Protect yourself from UV radiation: The suns UV radiation is known to cause wrinkles and dark spots on the skin. Hence use a good sunscreen with SPF of 30 when you move out in the open to protect your skin from UV radiation.

Sufficient sleep and dealing with negative stress in a healthy way: Both protect against free radicals and support the immune system, as less of the stress hormone cortisol is released. 

Both have a positive effect on blood pressure and brain health. Also sufficient sleep will make you look fresh and glowing in the morning. Read about stress and skin aging here.

Cold shower: Promotes blood circulation, has an anti-inflammatory effect, strengthens the immune system, stimulates fat burning, lowers blood lipid levels and the risk of diabetes. Last but not least, cold showers also improve stress resistance.

Use the above instructions to reduce your biological age and look younger than your actual age.